I went up to France for several days to meet with the boys from Specialized and help them out with their presentation. They are releasing a new frame that it is under 900 grams--frame and fork under 1200 grams. It is a real dream bike!
A couple of the Specialized guys flew into Biarritz, so we took them out for a night of pintxos in Donostia. Even though I kept explaining to them how the whole bar-thing works in Euskadi they had a hard time adjusting to the constant bar-hopping. They would want to stay in one bar for a long time and try every pintxo. :) Simone, the Italian sports manger for Specialized, was there as well. Simone has become a pro at the bar and pintxo scene and knew all the place to go in Donostia.
Simone and I both drove our cars up to Nantes--and luckily I was there to help haul all the bikes, boxes and baggage that everyone had. Both of our cars were filled to the roof.
It was my first time in Nantes and was very impressed. It is a beautiful city and reminds me of Portland a little with the river running through the center, the many bridges and the trolly lines. I spent many hours walking around the old part of town. Our hotel was just a 5 minute walk away.
I just hung out with the Specialized crew and helped them out when they needed it. We went to the Tour de France opening ceremonies and the Gerosteiner team presentation as well. After the Giro trip, it seems that I know all the Gerosteiner mechanics and staff quite well.
We drove done to Fromentine for the opening time trial stage of the TDF. I talked my way into to VIP area even though I didn't have the accreditation for it. The car with all its decals comes in really handy sometimes!
I started my drive home after the stage but only made it as far as Bordeaux. I was exhausted! So I spent half of my birthday in France and half in Euskadi. I think this is the 3rd year in a row that I have spent my birthday in France. I ought to change that to Italy next year. Haha!
